“The plans called for restoration of live theater at some of the ten remaining theaters, glass-fronted retail all along the blocks, and pedestrian walkways above the street,” writes Tell. Needless to say, that idea went no where.

In 1964, a second plan was introduced, featuring a giant convention center. “Included were exhibition galleries, promenades, a hotel, a high-rise office building, and an underpass down the middle of 42nd Street,” states Tell.

Other proposals made the rounds for decades, but it wasn’t until the 1990s when a plan that paired “the visually rich melange of past days with signature new anchor buildings,” as Tell puts it, became reality.

I love this 1940s postcard and its, um, poetic description of Broadway—”where glamour sparkles forever.” But I get the feeling Toffenetti was one of those massive establishments with a ton of tables yet not such good food, as the sign above the door promises.

Opened in 1940, Toffenetti served up big plates of mid-century American staples; think ham, roast beef, strawberry shortcake, lots of pies. It shut its doors in 1968.

A New York Times article announcing the closing said Toffenetti had recently begun advertising an all-you-can-eat menu for just $3.95. Must have been a popular deal; the article goes on to say that they served 3,000 meals a day.